First 20 minutes from class

Access Virus TI (osTIrus) Overview

In this workshop, we dive deep into one of the most legendary digital synthesizers ever made: the Access Virus TI, using the osTIrus plugin, a modern emulator that runs the original Virus TI ROM.

The Virus TI became famous for its massive supersaws, aggressive digital wavetable tones, powerful unison stacks, lush effects, and extremely flexible modulation system. It appeared on countless records across trance, techno, EBM, industrial, and electro, and remains one of the most respected digital synths ever created.

Using the osTIrus plugin developed by The Usual Suspects, we can now run the original Virus TI engine directly inside Ableton Live. The sound and behavior come directly from the hardware ROM, meaning we’re essentially working with the real synth engine in plugin form.

This workshop focuses on understanding how the Virus actually works from a sound design perspective. Rather than relying on modern visual modulation displays, the Virus encourages a more tactile, ear-driven workflow where sound shaping happens through interaction between oscillators, filters, modulation sources, and effects.

We’ll explore how the different Virus synthesis engines behave, how modulation works in this non-visual environment, and how to build powerful layered sounds that take advantage of the Virus architecture.

The goal of this session is not just learning the interface, but understanding the design philosophy behind the Virus and how to use it to create huge, expressive sounds quickly.

How to Access Virus TI (osTIrus Plugin)

• Installing and Setting Up osTIrus :Learn how to install the plugin and configure it correctly inside Ableton Live.
• Usual Suspects Synths Setup and ROM Installation: Step-by-step overview of loading the original Virus TI ROM and preparing the plugin so it behaves like the hardware.

Virus Synthesis Architecture

• Virus Synth Engines: Explore the different oscillator types including classic analog modeling, hypersaw, wavetable style oscillators, and unique Virus sound sources.
• Understanding the Oscillator Structure: Learn how oscillators interact with sub oscillators, detune, unison, and hypersaw to create massive layered tones.

Non-Visual Modulation Workflow

• Modulation Without Graphics: Understand how the Virus modulation matrix works and how to design sounds by ear rather than relying on visual modulation curves.
• LFOs, Envelopes, and Mod Matrix: Learn how to create movement, rhythm, and evolving textures using the Virus modulation system.

Routing and Layering

• External Routing and Signal Flow: Understand how signals move through oscillators, filters, distortion, and effects.
• Multi-Layering and Stacking Sounds: Learn how to build massive sounds by layering oscillators, unison voices, and patches.

Filter and FX Sound Shaping

• Virus Filters: Explore the character of the Virus filter models and how resonance and drive shape the tone.
• Distortion and Character Processing: Learn how the Virus distortion and character stages transform sounds from subtle warmth to aggressive electronic textures.
• Legendary Virus Effects: Use chorus, phaser, delay, reverb, and the Virus multi-FX section to create width, movement, and space.

Whether you’re new to the Virus ecosystem or already familiar with the hardware, this workshop will help you understand why this instrument became such a defining synth in electronic music.

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the Virus architecture, practical sound design strategies, and techniques for creating huge, polished sounds using the osTIrus plugin directly inside Ableton Live

Ableton Project for Synthesis Practice

An Instrument Rack for using with osTIrus multi mode. Each chain is mapped to a different multi-timbral part with a sepereate output for maximum control of mixing and further sound design with Ableton's MIDI & Audio Effects

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Ableton Project with MIDI Parts for Synthesis Practice
• Instrument Rack for Multi Mode Layering
• PDF with links to 3rd party preset banks, tips & tricks, unique controls, manuals and more!

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.